Authors:
Nithya Sampath Kumar;Chella Santhosh;Shruthi Vathaluru Sudakaran;Ananya Deb;Vimala Raghavan;Velmurugan Venugopal;Amit Bhatnagar;Savithri Bhat;Nirmala Grace Andrews;
Pages: 94 - 98Abstract: In this report, a novel wound dressing material has been woven by electrospinning technique and tested for its various properties. For the nanofibre mat, a mixture of polyurethane (PU) and soy protein isolate (SPI) was electrospun in conjugation with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) to produce fibrous mats viz. PU/SPI/ZnO and PU/SPI/CipHCl. An optimum ratio (1 : 1) of PU/SPI was used as suitable polymeric ratio in order to produce homogenous nanofibres without beads having an average diameter in the range of 300-350 nm. The electrospun nanofibre-based mats were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of the nanofibrous mats were tested using universal testing machine. The wettability analysis was done using the contact angle measurement based on the sessile drop test. This study revealed that the electrospun PU/SPI-based nanofibres are non-sensitizing, non-allergic and non-toxic and that it can be used as a peculiar wound healing material.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Abel Nithya Deva Krupa;Raghavan Vimala;
Pages: 99 - 105Abstract: Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plants is considered to be cost effective and more eco-friendly than conventional techniques. In the authors' previous study, they reported the biosynthesis of AgNPs using fruit extract of Aegle marmelos which were of spherical shape and high crystallinity. In order to achieve enhanced synthesis, optimisation of process parameters influencing the yield of AgNPs has been carried out in this study. Box-Behnken design has been employed to optimise the parameters in order to enhance the synthesis of AgNPs. The antimicrofouling activity of the optimised AgNPs was determined by preparing AgNPs doped TEOS sol-gels (SNSGs) and evaluating their antibiofilm activity. In addition to this, antimacrofouling activity of the AgNPs was studied against molluscs viz. Patella sp. and Trochus sp. as model organisms. Anticrustacean assay was also performed with the larvae of brine shrimp (Artemia salina) as a model crustacean fouling organism. The results indicated that the AgNPs could completely inhibit the attachment of molluscs and significantly increased the percentage of mortality against crustacean fouling larvae. Thus, this study gives scope for the possible development of formulations containing AgNPs as effective antifouling agents that could prevent the adhesion of micro and macrofoulers thereby preventing marine biofouling.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Sapna Rangarajan;Shilpa Verekar;Sunil Kumar Deshmukh;Jayesh R. Bellare;Arun Balakrishnan;Somesh Sharma;Radhakrishnan Vidya;Geetanjali Chimote;
Pages: 106 - 115Abstract: The study explored biological synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the less explored non-pathogenic coprophilous fungus, sterile mycelium, PM0651419 and evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of biosynthesised AgNPs when impregnated in wound fabrics and in combination with six antimicrobial agents. AgNPs alone proved to be potent antibacterial agents and in combination they enhanced the antibacterial activity and spectrum of antibacterials used in the study against a microbiologically diverse battery of Gram positive, Gram negative and multidrug-resistant bacteria. AgNPs impregnated on the wound dressings established their antibacterial activity by significantly reducing the bacterial load of pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis establishing potential as effective antimicrobial wound dressings for treatment of polymicrobial wound infections. This study presents the first report on the potential of biosynthesis of AgNPs from the under explored class of coprophilous fungi. Their promise to be used in wound dressings and as potent antibacterials alone and in combination is evaluatedPubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Dhananjayan Badma Priya;Indira Viswambaran Asharani;
Pages: 116 - 126Abstract: There is a growing demand for the development of non-toxic, cost-effective, and environmentally benign green synthetic strategy for the production of metal nanoparticles. Herein, the authors have reported Actinodaphne madraspatana Bedd (AMB) leaves as the bioreducing agent for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) and its catalytic activity was evaluated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol with undisruptive effect on human health and environment. The broad and continuous absorbance spectrum obtained in the UV-visible region indicated the formation of PdNPs. The synthesized PdNPs were found to be crystalline, spherical, and quasi-spherical in shape with an average particle size of 13 nm was confirmed by X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscope. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the active photo constituents present in the aqueous extract of AMB involved in the bioreduction of palladium ions to PdNPs. The catalytic activity of biosynthesized PdNPs was demonstrated for the reduction of 4-NP via electron-relay process. Also, the influential parameters such as catalyst dosage, concentration of 4-NP, and sodium borohydride were studied in detail. From the present study, PdNPs were found to be a potential nanocatalyst for nitro compound reduction and also for environmental remediation of wastewater effluents from industries.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Ramasamy Ganesamoorthy;Radhakrishnan Vidya;Pachagounder Sakthivel;
Pages: 147 - 155Abstract: In this study, the synthesis of a series of bay-substituted donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) type perylene diimide derivatives (3a-3d) has been reported as an acceptor for the small-molecule-based organic solar cells (SM-OSCs) by the Suzuki coupling method. It has been evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against some of the bacteria and fungi. The synthesised SMs were confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution mass spectroscopy (HR-MS). The SMs showed absorption up to 750 nm, which eventually reduced the optical band gap $(Egopt) toPubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Palajonna Narasaiah;Badal Kumar Mandal;Sarada Nallani Chakravarthula;
Pages: 156 - 165Abstract: In this study, the authors synthesised gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) by a green approach using an aqueous extract of empty cotton boll peels (ECBPs) which was rapid, simple and inexpensive eco-friendly method compared to chemical and physical methods. The ECBP aqueous extract played a vital role in the reduction of Au+3 ions into Au NPs which was further confirmed by analytical characterisation. The phase purity and crystallinity of Au NPs were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The characteristic functional groups of synthesised Au NPs were identified by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The surface morphology and topography of Au NPs were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Size with dispersion stability of Au NPs was determined by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential studies. In this study, the authors performed a catalytic activity of Au NPs using different pollutant organic dyes such as methylene blue and methyl orange. It also showed good antioxidant activity compared to standard ascorbic acid by using the standard 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil method. Hence, this study concluded that ECBP mediated Au NPs could act as a promising material for degradation of dyes and antioxidant activity.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Chidambaram Umamaheswari;Alagappan Lakshmanan;Natesan Shanmugam Nagarajan;
Pages: 166 - 174Abstract: In the present study, a phyto-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an isoflavone, Dalspinosin (5,7-dihydroxy-6,3',4'-trimethoxy isoflavone) isolated from the alcoholic extract of roots of Dalbergia coromandeliana is reported. It is observed that Dalspinosin itself acts both as a reducing and a capping agent in the synthesis of the nanoparticles (NPs). An ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectral study showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 526 nm confirming the formation of AuNPs. The NPs formed were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and dynamic light scattering. HR-TEM analysis showed the synthesised AuNPs were spherical in shape with a size of 7.5 nm. The AuNPs were found to be stable for seven months when tested by in vitro methods showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. They also showed moderate anti-microbial activities when tested against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp), Gram negative bacterial strains (Klebsiella pneumonia and Klebsiella terrigena) and fungal strain (Candida glabrata). The biosynthesised AuNPs showed significant catalytic activity in the reduction of methylene blue with NaBH4 to leucomethylene blue.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Ruwaidah A. Mussttaf;David F.L. Jenkins;Awadhesh N. Jha;
Pages: 175 - 181Abstract: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of phototherapy used to promote cell proliferation. This study investigates the potential role of LLLT in cellular proliferation of human monocytic leukaemia cells Tamm-Horsfall Protein 1 (THP-1) under in vitro conditions. Cells were irradiated with an 850 nm diode laser and exposed to doses ranging from 0 to 26.8 J/cm2. After irradiation, cells were incubated for 12 and 24 h to allow time for proliferation. Comet assay was conducted to evaluate genotoxicity of the irradiated cells. Trypan blue was used to estimate cytotoxicity, which peaked at the highest dose as expected. Preliminary results suggest that cell counts increase at low doses, whereas a decrease in cell number at high doses was noted compared with controls. Comet assay showed no significant difference between irradiated and non-irradiated cells at low doses. In contrast, DNA damage increased at doses ≥8.9 J/cm2 and was comparable with the 100 μM hydrogen peroxide positive control at the highest fluence. It could be concluded that LLLT has the ability to stimulate the THP-1 cell line to proliferate if supplied with the correct energy and dose.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Saied M. Abd El-atty;Konstantinos A. Lizos;Z.M. Gharsseldien;Amr Tolba;Zafer A.L. Makhadmeh;
Pages: 201 - 210Abstract: There have been recent advances in the engineering of molecular communication (MC)-based networks for nanomedical applications. However, the integration of MC with biomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) presents various critical research challenges. In this study, the authors envisaged integrating MC-based nanonetwork with CNTs to optimise nanonetwork performance. In neural networks, a chronic reduction in the concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) eventually leads to the development of neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, they used CNTs as a molecular switch to optimise ACh conductivity supported by artificial MC. Furthermore, MC enables communication between transmitter neurons and receiver neurons for fine-tuning the ACh release rate according to the feedback concentration of ACh. Subsequently, they proposed a min/max feedback scheme to fine-tune the expected throughput and ACh transmission efficiency. For demonstration purposes, they deduced analytical forms for the proposed schemes in terms of throughput, incurred traffic rates, and average packet delay.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Kavitha Kandiah;Navaneethan Duraisamy;Balagurunathan Ramasamy;
Pages: 211 - 216Abstract: Nano-titania, chondroitin-4-sulphate, and titania/chondroitin-4-sulphate nanocomposite were separately deposited on Ti-6Al-4V alloys by repetitive spin coating. Surface characterisation techniques were used to find out the crystalline nature, chemical bonding, surface homogeneity, and elemental composition. Biological studies of nanocomposite-coated alloys revealed the formation of stable hydroxyapatite (Ca/P = 1.678), superior corrosion resistance, and ~12 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus sp. However, the cell line studies revealed the better response on polymer-coated alloy than the uncoated and composite-coated alloy. It has been found that the nanocomposite coating can synergistically increase the thickness of the pre-existing passive layer and thereby improve the corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V implant in simulated body fluid. The nanocomposite coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the bare Ti-6Al-4V implant specimens by decreasing the icorr. The formation of hydroxyapatite on nanocomposite-coated alloy may have ability to inhibit the release of toxic substance to the adjacent tissues. In addition, the in vitro cell line study confers that the nanocomposite-coated Ti-6Al-4V induces cell attachment and proliferation, and it eventually help to new bone cell formation than the uncoated one. Overall, this nanocomposite coating can be applied in orthopedic applications for effective biomimic bone regeneration.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Mostafa Kiamehr;Batoul Alipour;Mahmoud Nasrollahzadeh;S. Mohammad Sajadi;
Pages: 217 - 222Abstract: A facile and green process to synthesise cuttlebone supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs/cuttlebone) is reported using Conium maculatum leaf extract and in the absence of chemical solvents and hazardous materials. The antioxidant content of the C. maculatum leaf extract played a significant role in converting Pd2+ ions to Pd NPs. Various techniques were used for the characterisation of the Pd NPs/cuttlebone such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. This Pd NPs/cuttlebone showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to 2,4-diaminophenylhydrazine by sodium borohydride as the source of hydrogen at ambient condition. The catalyst could be separated and recycled up to five cycles with no loss of its activity.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Maryam Jalili Tabaii;Narges Chatraei;Giti Emtiazi;
Pages: 223 - 229Abstract: The isolated Gluconacetobacter sp. with accession number: KY996741 was assayed for evaluation of phytase activity. It could solubilise sodium phytate in the absence of soluble phosphate with the cells; however, the enzyme was not seen in cell free extract, to the best of their knowledge the intracellular phytase activities of Gluconacetobacter sp. was not reported previously. Also, the potential of in situ immobilisation of cells produced enzyme (/phytase producing bacteria) in bacterial cellulose was investigated and was studied by SEM and AFM. The results showed that the immobilised probiotic cells had the best activity of 1229 U/ml. The optimum temperature of the immobilised enzyme activity was at 45°C (5969 U/ml) and the immobilised phytase maintained 64% of its activities after two repeated cycles. The enzyme needs mild conditions for its activity and has a short life time and low stability and lost activities from 1229 to 500 U/ml during 30 days. However, it was showed that the addition of 1 ppm nano-ferric oxide particles could promote the phytase activities of immobilised cell from 500 U/ml to >1500 U/ml. This immobilised phytase producing cells on bacterial cellulose can be useful as food and/feed supplement for phytin removal.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)

Authors:
Nurdan Sarac;Tuba Baygar;Aysel Ugur;
Pages: 230 - 233Abstract: This study is aimed at determining the mutagenic and anti-mutagenic properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesised from Streptomyces griseorubens AU2. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study about the investigation of these properties for biogenic AgNPs bacterially synthesised. The mutagenic and anti-mutagenic potencies were determined by the Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. After determining the cytotoxic dose of green synthesised AgNPs against S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, subcytotoxic doses (250, 100 and 50 μg/plate) were used in the assays. Biogenic AgNPs at the tested concentrations exhibited no mutagenic effects in the mutagenicity test conducted with the test strains. Moderate anti-mutagenic effects were observed at high test concentrations. The concentration of 250 μg/plate showed the strongest anti-mutagenic activity on S. typhimurium TA98. The results did not indicate any mutagenic effect against either of the strains used for screening the mutagenicity of the biogenic AgNPs as they were found to be genotoxically safe. It can be concluded that biogenic AgNPs showed great anti-mutagenic attributes, standing as a significant factor with respect to medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.PubDate:
3 2018
Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 2 (2018)